MLB Playoff Betting Picks – Game 1 Between Reds-Phillies

On the National League side of the MLB playoff betting scene, the road to the World Series inevitably goes through Philadelphia. In a very questionable decision, Dusty Baker is sending unproven Edinson Volquez to try and give the Cincinnati Reds an edge in a series nobody expects them to win. That might be a tall task in Game 1, especially considering who the home team is sending to the mound.

Roy Halladay has been one of the most decorated and coveted pitchers in the majors for the majority of his staggering career. But he’s never played in a playoff game after spending so many years wasting away on the Toronto Blue Jays. Halladay will get his first taste of glory as Philadelphia hunts down their third pennant in a row.

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Cincinnati Reds (91-71) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (97-65)
Wednesday, August 6th — Citizens Bank Park — 5:07pm EST
MLB Playoff Betting Lines:
CIN – Edinson Volquez (R) +1.5 -125 / +180 / O 7.0 -105
PHI – Roy Halladay (R) -1.5 +105 / -220 / U 7.0 -115

Halladay has delivered on nearly every level during the regular season, leading the NL in wins, innings pitched and ranking second in strikeouts, WHIP and winnings percentage along with third in ERA. Since the All-Star break, the right handed Halladay has consummated an unheard of 11-3 SU record, notching decisions in 14 consecutive games.

Making matters much worse for the Reds is the fact that Halladay threw 9.0 innings against the Reds at Citizens Bank Park just before the All-Star break and allowed 5 hits in a shut-out victory for the Phillies.

Is there any hope for the Cincinnati Reds in this MLB playoff betting opener?

Where to Watch: TBS

Not particularly. Not only is Halladay 5-0 SU as a starter in his last five games, the Reds are a terrible 4-10 SU in their past 14 road games. They’ve been winless in five visits to Citizens Bank Park as well, and are just 1-6 SU in their last seven overall meetings with the vaunted Phillies.

What may serve as a saving grace is how the meat of their lineup responds to Halladay, and vice versa. Joey Votto, one of the favorites for MVP candidate, is having a stellar year and if Halladay chooses to avoid him then he’ll have to throw to Scott Rolen or Jay Bruce. The Reds had the fourth best scoring offense in all of the majors, and that’s the only reason anyone is giving them any action as an upstart MLB playoff betting pick.

But that doesn’t mean Philadelphia isn’t walking in to the post season without a steady attack of their own. The Phillies ranked seventh overall and second in the NL in terms of offense.

For all of the Halladay boosters who have been itching to see what he’s capable of with high stakes, this is your chance. He’s a no-brainer bet Wednesday night against the Reds in MLB playoff betting picks, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him shut out Votto and company in his playoff debut.

Furious MLB Playoff Betting Pick – Philadelphia RL and ML (UNDER)

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